Corniglia - Cinque Terre, Italy

 

Corniglia is the highest and smallest village in the Cinque terre, with just 240 residents. It is often underestimated and less frequented by tourists, yet probably the most charming and authentic of the five Cinque Terre villages. 

 

When you arrive in Corniglia by train there are steps leading up to the main village, you will need to be quite energetic to climb these as they consist of 33 flights with 377 steps.. Whew! However the area is also accessible by road but still quite a steep climb. Most days there is also usually a mini bus that waits near the station as each train arrives in Corniglia. 

 

In Corniglia you are likely to see more of the everyday life of the residents without as much hustle and bustle compared to the other four Cinque Terre villages. The pace here is slower and quieter, a great place to relax and enjoy the sunshine. There is a small piazza with tables and chairs serviced by a bar and locals usually congregate here. In the evening during the summer months the area looks very pretty with candles lit on tables. 

 

There is a wonderful church in Corniglia 'St Peters' it has a beautiful rose window made of marble andit was built early in the 13th century and has been retained to reflect the character of this era. Corniglia is surrounded on three sides by vineyards and terraces and the buildings are lower have more of the original characteristics than the other Cinque Terre villages.